Hi, my name is Jessie. I’m 35 years old, and I’ve recently been diagnosed with rectal cancer.
It’s hard to even say those words. This diagnosis came while I was already trying to rebuild my life from the ground up. I’ve been separated from my ex-husband for three years, and I’m now in the final stages of divorce. When I told him about the cancer, he had nothing to say—no comfort, no concern, just silence. And as painful as that was, it wasn’t unexpected. I’ve spent a long time surviving without the support I needed.
But, I’m not doing it alone.
I’m a mom to an incredible daughter who turns 16 this July. She is my heart, my biggest motivation, and the reason I get up every day and keep going—even on the days I’m terrified. On top of that, I’m lucky enough to be sharing my life with someone new. In December, I met Michael—the love of my life. He is kind, grounded, and everything I didn’t know I needed. And with him came another light: his daughter, who is turning 15 soon and already feels like my own.
I’m fighting this cancer not just for me—but for them. For both of our daughters. For the chance to be there for birthdays, graduations, late-night talks, and all the small, beautiful moments that make life worth living.
Michael has been by my side through this entire nightmare—every scan, every panic attack, every tear. I don’t know how I would be managing any of this without his strength and love.
Still, cancer is expensive. I do have short-term and long-term disability through my employer, but here’s the part people don’t often realize: it doesn’t kick in unless I’ve been off work consistently for three weeks or more. That means I’m already dealing with financial strain at the worst possible time—when every dollar counts, and when I’m supposed to be focusing on healing.
Between medical bills, co-pays, travel to and from appointments, groceries, and basic living expenses, I’m struggling. I’ve always worked hard—first as a veterinary technician, then as a pharmacy tech, and more recently I’ve been trying to grow a small creative business from home—but right now, I need help.
If you’re able to donate, your kindness will help with:
Medical bills and co-pays
Transportation to and from treatment
Daily living expenses while I wait for disability to begin
Giving me the space to heal—physically, emotionally, and as a mom
Even if you can’t give, just sharing this campaign helps more than you know.
Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for believing in me. I’m fighting for more time with the people I love—and with your support, I believe I’ll get through this.
With love,
Jessie
